Working from home doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Some people love it, some people hate it. Virgin’s Richard Branson swears by it, while a few big-name executives are all about office culture. 

Either way, home working is totally normal now. Over 1.6 million people in the UK regularly work from home, and that number is still rising.

Why work from home?

Home working saves time, cuts commuting costs, and shows HMRC you are genuinely self-employed, which is important if you want to stay outside IR35. Whether you run your own business or just use your home as a flexible base, the right setup makes your day flow a lot better.

Modern tech is your best friend. Laptops, tablets, smartphones and cloud tools mean you can stay connected to clients and colleagues wherever you are.

How to make your home office work for you

Now that you know why working from home can be a game-changer, it’s time to make it actually work for you. Setting up a functional, comfortable workspace doesn’t have to cost a fortune. With a few smart choices and a bit of creativity, you can turn any corner of your home into a productive office without breaking the bank.

1. Picking your spot

Choose somewhere quiet and comfortable. A noisy street or cluttered room will kill your focus. You do not need a fancy dedicated office. A corner of the living room or a spare bedroom works perfectly.

2. Use what you already have

Before rushing out to buy new furniture, have a look around. That old desk or lamp might be a perfect fit. Two items worth spending a bit of money on are a good desk and ergonomic chair, especially if you spend hours staring at a screen. Adjustable standing desks are getting more popular. They reduce the risk of obesity, diabetes, heart problems and mental strain. Bonus: you burn a few extra calories too.

3. Budget-friendly office gear

Budget does not have to mean boring or low quality. Stock up on pens, paper and sticky notes from discount shops or online marketplaces. For furniture, try flea markets, second-hand shops, or even swap items with friends. Multi-functional devices like an all-in-one printer, scanner and copier save space and hassle.

4. Timing and deals

Setting up a home office is a marathon, not a sprint. Make a list and wait for sales. Bargaining or trading services for equipment can still work surprisingly well.

5. Cut the landline

Forget the traditional phone. VoIP services like Skype, Zoom Phone or Vonage are cheaper, mobile-friendly and flexible. You can take your office wherever you go.

If you’re wondering about claiming expenses for business calls or a phone itself, you can read the guide here.

6. Claim your expenses

If you are self-employed, many of your home office purchases can be claimed as business expenses. Keep receipts and records for HMRC. Every little helps. It’s worth checking out our article on what you can and can’t claim as an expense when working from home. We also have a dedicated guide on home office expenses for Limited Companies.

7. Step outside

Even the best home office can feel like a trap if you never leave it. Step outside, grab a coffee, or try a café or coworking space. A change of scenery is good for your brain and your mood.

8. Embrace hybrid

Hybrid working is here to stay. Mix home and office days to get flexibility while staying connected to your team.

Make it your own

Your home office is what you make of it. Small changes, smart choices, and a bit of creativity can turn any space into a comfortable, productive base. For the self-employed, it is about more than convenience. It is about creating a setup that supports your workflow, keeps you organised, and helps you feel in control of your business.

Take your time, experiment, and enjoy the freedom that comes with working from home. Once your space works for you, it can make a big difference to both your productivity and your peace of mind.

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